NUM in South Africa Holds Women’s Conference

Some 500 delegates attended the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) Women’s Conference on 16-18 February in Rosherville, near Johannesburg. The South African union elected a national leadership team, put in place a workable plan of action, and developed a concise and practical programme that will be presented at NUM’s National Congress in May.

Delegates heard from three prominent women in South African labour: Minerals and Energy Minister Lindiwe Hendricks, COSATU Second Vice President Violet Sebone, and ANC Women’s League’s General Secretary Themba Kgasi. The NUM Women’s Structure was formed in 1998, and since has become a leadership front for women both nationally and internationally. “As women in the NUM, we have passed the stage of being told what to do,” said Women’s Structure Chairperson Rose Mohale. “We have stood firm and demonstrated we can add our voice to programmes of the organisation.”